Category Buyer at PnP

Pick n Pay; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in Cape Town seeks a Category Manager to optimize category performance and execute strategic plans. The ideal candidate has 3-4 years of retail experience, strong analytical skills, and experience in supplier relations. Knowledge of SAP is essential. This role offers opportunities to influence financial performance and work within a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 3-4 years retail experience in Category Management.
• Proven success on financial KPIs.
• Ability to work within a matrix structure.

Responsibilities

• Compile and execute category plans aligned with strategy.
• Evaluate merchandising plans and recommend modifications.
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers.

Skills

Negotiation

Category Strategy

Supplier Relations

Merchandise Knowledge

Analytical Skills

Education

Relevant University Degree

Tools

SAP

Job description

Introduction

To compile and execute the category plans in line with the strategy, objectives and category group guidelines on format/margin and assortment strategies. To optimize the performance of the assigned categories by having clear category plans in place that are aligned to the strategy, category group guidelines and being customer focused.

Duties & Responsibilities

Negotiation

Understands negotiating position, key drivers, and desired outcomes; develops and presents factual, rational, and compelling arguments to build support and gain commitment from other parties; understands when to engage in counter-negotiations to reach win-win outcomes

Manages disagreements and conflicts by using diplomacy and controlling emotions; anticipates negotiating roadblocks and objections

Category Strategy

Uses Category internal and external data to develop and recommend business strategies that target category-specific growth

Evaluates merchandising plans and their business impact; makes recommendations for modifying plans based on findings

Identifies and recommends process improvements that target performance, quality, work efficiency / cost reduction

Category Performance

Uses internal and external data to understand category performance (sales, margin, availability, waste, stock, RTC, strike rates, own brand etc).

Maintains a solid working knowledge of assigned category, industry, and market; uses knowledge of industry practices, business trends, distribution methods, and the competitive environment to develop buying plans

Implements and executes tactical buying plans, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as Pick n Pay's overall business strategy

Supplier Relations

Communicates regularly with suppliers to mutually share financial and other performance criteria; uses metrics to identify performance gaps and hold suppliers accountable for achieving financial and other mutually agreed upon goals; develops and implements contingency plans to close performance gaps

Develops and maintains relationships with suppliers; demonstrates confidence and expertise when interacting with suppliers

Private Brand Strategy and Development

Implements and executes Private Brand category strategy, ensuring alignment with category-specific growth strategies, as well as PnP's overall business strategy

Merchandise Knowledge

Applies knowledge of Pick n Pay's merchandise and current promotions, price changes, and sales to enhance daily work

Develops merchandising solutions to achieve business goals and influence financial performance

Identifies and applies knowledge of key industry trends and market forces to positively impact merchandising

Desired Experience & Qualification

Preferably relevant University Degree

3-4 years retail experience

Experience in Category Management (specialising in Baby Care)

Proven and consistent success on financial KPI's

SAP knowledge and Analysis is essential

Competencies

Sound knowledge of buying fundamentals

Networking and Relationship Building

Excellent Communications skills (Verbal and Written)

Advanced computer literacy (Excel & Powerpoint)

Ability to handle extensive administrative activities related to the category

Commerical and Financial Acumen including strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data

Ability to work within a matrix structure, gaining buy in and support across a number of functions

Judgement and Decison Making

Good Presentation skills

Good Negotiation and Influencing skills

Ability to work under pressure and at pace